On August 4, 2012 CrossFit gyms around the nation and world will unite together hosting the “31Heroes” WOD honoring the men killed in action on August 6, 2011. All funds raised will be donated to Snowball Express, the Travis Manion Foundation, and the 30 families immediately affected. Register now to host the WOD or participate at an affiliate near you.
Dutch newcomer Applied Orange has introduced their take on the combat shirt. Called the FR-UBAX, it is an FR garment manufactured from TenCate Defender M fabric. What’s more, it’s manufactured in Europe to create a true high end and ‘locally’ made product.
Features include
-Full Ten Cate FR fabrics, Dutch woven sleeve and collar fabric and USA made Jersey and Mesh
-V shaped mandarin collar construction for better wearability with vests
-Double sleeve pocket construction with inner zipper closed pocket and full harmonica outer pocket for larger items
Look for these becoming available in August with multiple color variations including MultiCam with Tan 499 body for the US market.
www.appliedorange.nl
MARCORSYSCOM has just released a sources sought notice for a Portable Fuel Analyzer. According to the RFI, “The PFA will consist of a system that will enable an unskilled incidental operator the capability to rapidly obtain and analyze sample of indigenous/captured fuel stocks on location to determine usability for immediate exploitation.” Basically, they want a device that will allow the novice to determine whether or not a fuel source is contaminated and can be used to power a vehicle or generator. This is critical in small unit operations where they may be required to scavenge fuel from a variety of sources.
1. The components of the PFA shall be maintained and operated by a single incidental operator and not require formal institutional training in order to operate and maintain the system at the unit level (Threshold).
2. All operator functions shall be capable of being performed during reduced light conditions with the aid of a maximum of 50 lumens of unfiltered white iridescent or Light Emitting Diode (LED) illumination source (Threshold).
3. The PFA sampling and analyzing components shall be able to be operated and maintained in a Nuclear, Biological and Chemical contamination environment by personnel in Mission Oriented Protective Posture (MOPP) level IV and be capable of withstanding decontamination (Threshold).
4. The analyzing and sampling components of the PFA shall be contained in a hardened case to prevent, other than normal wear and tear, damage during repeated transport, handling and lifting in a field environment (Threshold).
5. The PFA components shall be able to operate in temperature ranges from -4°F to 110°F (Threshold) and -25°F to 135°F (Objective).
6. All components shall be able to remain operational after exposure to uncontrolled climates that the USMC will deploy within , to include rain, dust, sand, etc. (Threshold).
7. All PFA components shall be able to withstand a transit drop In Accordance With (IAW) MIL-STD-810G Method 516.6 Procedure IV without adverse performance to their operational capability (Threshold).
8. The dimensions of the analyzing and sampling components case will not exceed 24″x18″x12″ (Threshold).
9. The weight of the component case will not exceed the maximum weight limits for portability by a single Marine (Male/Female) IAW MIL-STD-1472F (Threshold)
10. The sampling component of the PFA shall provide the capability to rapidly obtain adequate quantities required for analysis (Threshold).
11. The analyzing component of the PFA shall have the capability to analyze an indigenous/captured fuel source and determine is suitability IAW military fuel standards for use in ground combat vehicles and equipment (Threshold) as well as combat aviation platforms (Objective).
12. The analyzer portion of the PFA shall accurately provide in easily read format, “GO/NO GO†determination of the usability of indigenous/captured fuel IAW military fuel standards (Threshold) and a detailed format showing each critical property results for reporting purposes when the sampled fuel stocks do not meet specifications (Objective).
13. The operational time required for the incidental operator to obtain and analyze a sample of indigenous/captured fuel to determine its usability shall not exceed ten minutes (Threshold) and 30 seconds (Objective).
14. The PFA shall be capable of self-sustained operations for at least 15 fuel analyses (Threshold) or 60 months of repeated use (Objective).
15. If required, the PFA analyzer shall operate on battery power for 3 hours (Threshold). If the batteries are removable, they shall be a service common solution from the commercial sector (AA, AAA, B, C, D, 9V, CR-123) or existing military battery (Threshold).
16. If a power source is required, the PFA analyzer shall also have the capability to operate/charge on 85-240 AC current, and be internally protected from power surge (Threshold).
17. The PFA system shall be able to be shipped by commercial air carrier, rail, loose cargo, helicopter, etc (Threshold).
In particular, SYSCOM wants to know –
1. Industry comments on draft USMC performance requirements, to include ability to meet performance requirements.
2. Industry comments on draft USMC work statement, to include ability to meet work requirements.
3. Industrial capability to manage and execute this type program
4. Industrial comments on production rate and timing
5. Past performance delivering a like or similar capability
Interested parties should visit www.fbo.gov for full details.
Vltor has done something very interesting. Not only have they developed a new accessory attachment system for small arms but they’ve offered up the TDP for use by all.
Oddly enough, I feel like I’ve seen this before. It feels like PCAPS was channeled in the design and I recall a similar system under development by the same folks working on the domestic K2 weapon system about 5 years ago or so. Additionally, designer Eric Kincel admits that he ran across a similar system under development by Accuracy International. While I can’t attest to individual dimensions, conceptually, it’s not new. The underlying difference here is that Kincel has a patent and has very smartly placed it in the public domain.
With Picatinny (Mil Std 1913) as the current industry standard, it’s going to be a steep uphill battle to get anyone to adopt a new system if it’s proprietary to just one company, no matter how good it is. If you can get everyone to start building to it, you can really affect the market. Naturally, the KM system will be backward compatible as it accepts Picatinny rail modules.
It’s also important to note that Noveske introduced the NSR handguard at SHOT Show incorporating this technology, so it’s already in use.
It remains to be seen if this will be a disruptive technology or not, but the very manner which it was released puts it on my watch list.
Finally, I want to thank Military Morons for staying on top of this since SHOT Show and releasing this info. Below is Vltor’s statement.
To the Firearm Industry and Shooting Public,
Introducing the Vltor KeyMod system.
The concept has been bouncing around in my mind (and the Vltor offices) for a few years now and it’s finally become reality. I first introduced the KeyMod Tech data package to friends in the community, starting with Noveske Rifleworks.
The design is nothing major or earth shattering, it’s just something I thought was needed for the industry. My goal is for the industry to make this system a standard; working in parallel with the Picatinny rail; not replacing it. I’m not taking credit for coming up with this “keyhole” design, because I found out a year and a half ago that Accuracy International was working on a similar program. Also, it’s hard to take credit for a design that’s been around for 100+ years, i.e. warehouse shelving, scaffolding, etc.. Plus, with close examination of the A.I. key slot design, there are a number of improvements that the KeyMod covered and improved upon.
The main difference is in the mounting and re-zeroing capabilities of the component. In addition, A.I.’s design was never taken into consideration for counter-recoil but recoil only.
With this official introduction, I’m releasing the prints (shown below) to the firearm industry, so fellow companies can develop their own rail systems/platforms utilizing the KeyMod configuration. I added a sample component print (4-inch rail section) showing the mating interface to the outside of the platform surface. I also included a picture of the accessory nut that interfaces/ indexes to the chamfered surface on the backside of the platform. Please note the nut has a counter bore, so the mating screw can be distorted at the tip. The thread distortion will stop the screw from backing out, making the accessory a self contained, self centering, “drop and slide” mounting component. As you can imagine, there are a number of companies that are already developing and/or manufacturing components that mount directly to the slots. For example, Noveske and I are making our own rail panels, to work with “our” platform requirements. Other items being developed are VFGs, handstops, bipods, light, sight and sling mounts. The possibilities are endless.
In all, I see this design as being a viable solution to limit the use of the aging “cheese grater” Picatinny Rail and/or multiple mounting points, which require threads, Helicoils and thread inserts. It is time to move on and I think the industry is ready for it.
With the amount of enthusiasm I’ve seen so far, I think there will be a lot of fresh ideas for both the rail system and accessory world. There’s more than enough market for all of us to benefit from this KeyMod system, which is why Vltor is releasing the Data Pack into the public domain. Any manufacturer is free to use the Data Package for manufacturing their own Keymod handguards or related mounting accessories without needing consent from Vltor.
If I can help in any way with this project, please feel free to contact me.
Take care, I hope to hear from you soon.
Eric S. Kincel
General Manager
Vltor Weapon Systems
SSD regularly showcases a different MultiCam print fabric from Duro Textiles LLC. This week, we are covering the Zeta fabric. MultiCam is a single camouflage pattern designed to hide the wearer in varied environments, seasons, elevations, and light conditions. After a great deal of commercial success and adoption by elements of US Special Operations Forces, in 2010 MultiCam was selected for use by the US Army as its Operation Enduring Freedom Camouflage Pattern (OCP).
Zeta is an an IR compliant, water repellant 70D fabric in a ripstop weave. It is great for use as a face fabric in quilting applications due to its breathability. This is because it features a DWR finish and not a full waterproof coating.
Specs:
This product has a water repellant finish.
This product is IR compliant.
Download a test report here.
Wiggy’s uses Zeta for the shell of the MultiCam Ultra Light sleeping bag. This is a +20 degree F that is available in 4 sizes and can be combined with an additional bag to bring the rating down to -20 degree F.
Duro offers progressive pricing based on the number of yards ordered. For more information on this or any of the full line of MultiCam fabrics visit www.multicamfabric.com or email Galpen_Ben@DuroLink.com.
Tags: Crye Precision, Duro, Duro Textiles LLC, Wiggy's, Zeta
Posted in Materials, Multicam | Comments Off on MultiCam Materials – Zeta
Unveiled at SHOT Show 2012, the LaRue Tactical Costa-Edition OBR is a collaboration between the two brands to develop a version of the popular rifle that is set up the way trainer Chris Costa runs his.
This 5.56mm rifle is built to Costa’s specifications. It incorporates the popular and lightweight PredatAR chassis, combined with the accuracy and reliability of an OBR 5.56 barrel. It also features a 14.5” barrel that is pinned and welded with a SureFire Muzzle Brake. Furthermore, the entire frame is finished in FDE, KG GunKote with the “COSTA LUDUS” logo engraved on the left side of the receiver. Finally, Black parts and rail covers provide dramatic contrast.
It’s a great looking, well built rifle. Make sure you check it out at www.laruetactical.com/costa-edition where Larue has provided loads of photos. And, if you are looking to order one, you’d better jump on it fast. With only 125 to start withe they are moving quick.
S&S Precision has developed several accessories specifically for use with the PlateFrame.
In addition to welded shoulder and cummerbund straps, they have introduced several specialists pouches made from advanced materials such as 2-way stretch and LiteLok. These include pouches for side plates, magazines, and radios, with more to come.
www.sandsprecision.com/category/products/plate-frame
We’ve written about the TigerSwan GLOCK in the past but it’s a treat to read what frontman Brian Searcy had to say about their mod choices in a recent post on M4Carbine.net.
In our training classes at the TigerSwan Training Collaboration Center, we get a lot of questions from course attendees about the TigerSwan Glock and the advantages of the items that we install in the pistols.
Off the shelf, the Glock is an outstanding pistol. It is extremely reliable, safe, easy to use and it is accurate. The modern, hi-capacity pistol holds 17 rounds of 9mm ammunition. 9mm ammunition is comparatively inexpensive to shoot (vs .40 or .45 caliber) and with expanding ammunition the 9mm has great terminal ballistics. At TigerSwan, we use the Glock 17 as our instructor pistol and as student rental pistols for the reasons cited above.
After shooting the pistols extensively, we identified a few changes that would make the pistols more accurate and much more “shootable”. When I talk about shootable, I’m referring to things that make the pistol easier to shoot such as the weight of trigger pull, the ease at which the shooter can pick up the sights, etc. The TigerSwan Gen 3, Glock 17 has the same parts installed as our instructor guns. The professional installation of select components makes an incredible difference in accuracy and shootability.
Here is a list of modifications we do for each TigerSwan Glock and the reasons why.
Wilson Match Barrel: While the off the shelf Glock is relatively accurate, it doesn’t have the accuracy required by our instructors. With the installation of a Wilson match barrel, the pistol goes from shooting 10-ring size groups to X-ring size groups at 25 yards. When I train on tactical marksmanship, I want to use a gun that I know has the ability to consistently place a shot in the x-ring. That way I know if the shot is not where it should be – it’s not the gun; it’s me not executing the fundamentals properly. Another advantage of replacing the factory barrel is it allows shooters to shoot non-jacketed lead bullets through the pistol. The Glock factory barrel has hexagonal rifling and Glock advises against shooting non-jacket lead bullets through it due to the possibility of excessive lead fouling. The Wilson barrels have traditional land and groove rifling and allow you to shoot non-jacketed bullets through the pistol which are usually more cost effective to practice with. Below are some pictures of groups fired with a stock Glock and a TigerSwan Glock. The groups were shot freestyle from the 25 yard line with match ammunition. While the accuracy comparison is not scientific – it is representative of what we typically see. I’m sure if we used a ransom rest both groups would be somewhat smaller, but the accuracy comparison would be similar.
Dawson Adjustable Sights: The stock Glock sights have an extremely low profile and can be difficult to visually pick up when you’re firing rapidly aimed shots. Another disadvantage of the stock sights is they are plastic and are easily damaged the first time you rack the slide of the pistol against your belt or equipment while practicing one handed manipulations with the pistol. The Dawson adjustable sights are made of steel and are extremely durable. You can rack them against your belt or equipment all day long and not damage them. The Dawson sights are much easier to visually pick up when presenting the gun to the target which results in faster shots on target. The advantage of adjustable sights is that it is much easier to get the gun to shoot where you aim and all you need is a small screwdriver to adjust your zero when you change ammunition. I usually have someone comment that you should never put adjustable sights on a combat gun. These days, there are adjustable sights that are just a durable as fixed sights. The adjustable sights give you the benefit of being able to easily adjust the sights with a screw driver instead of having to use a hammer and punch for windage and a file for elevation.
3.5 lb. Trigger Connector: I’ll be frank here- the trigger pull on a Glock is similar to shooting a staple gun. It has a long pull and a slight snap to it as the striker releases. The 3.5 lb. drop-in replacement connector gives an immediate improvement in trigger performance on the Glock pistol. The lighter trigger pull weight and the highly polished, nickel-plated surface make the pull smoother and more consistent. It helps the trigger reset more quickly for faster follow up shots and less temptation to jerk the trigger and compromise accuracy.
Extended Slide Release Lever: The original/stock slide release lever on the Glock is small and flat against the slide. Most people have difficulty releasing the slide, especially when wearing gloves. The small size and the flat design of the stock release make it difficult to get enough leverage to reliably release the slide. The installation of the Glock extended slide release lever solves the problems. The extended slide release lever has a much larger finger pad and a trapezoid-shaped bump that help ensure you release the slide fast, on the first try, after a reload. Saves precious seconds that can be lost making multiple swipes to release the slide and chamber the next round. Its low profile and smooth contours will not affect holster fit or snag on clothing.
Vickers Tactical Extended Glock Magazine Release: The Glock standard magazine release is too short to reliably/consistently hit and the extended Glock release is too long. Both versions have sharp edges. A slightly extended magazine release for the Glock, the Vickers Tactical Extended Magazine Release is perfect. The black plastic magazine release is molded from the same material as the factory original but is slightly extended and has rounded edges. The Vickers Tactical Extended Magazine Release was designed to prevent the magazine from accidentally being released if laid on a flat surface. It is an absolute must for anyone using a Crimson Trace Glock laser unit since the stock magazine catch is almost impossible to activate with a CTC laser in place.
The TigerSwan Glock can be ordered from our online Pro-Shop for $760. Other model Glocks can be built on request (i.e. Glock 19, 22, etc.).
Order online at: proshop.tigerswan.com/tigerswan-custom-glock-17or call our Pro-Shop for more information (910) 210-0158
Brian Searcy
President/COO
TigerSwan, Inc.
